Duplicating machine



' Oct. 27, 1936. -J. L. ROGERS 2,058,507

DUPLICATING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1930 10 sheets-sheet 1 gwwnto'o Ogt. 27, 1936. J. ROGERS DUPLICATING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Sept. 24, 1930 Oct.27,1936. L R0655 2,058,507

DUPLI CATING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24,1930 lQSheets-Shet s Oct. 27, 1936. O ERS 2,058,507

I DUPLICATINGMAGI -IINE I Original Filed Sept. 24, 1930 3 1o Sheets-Sheet 4 (IL. 1909mm? Cube mo Oct- 27,1936. J. 1.. ROGERS VDUPLICATING MACHINE I I 4 I Original Filed Sept. 24, 1950 10 sheets-sheet 5 I I Q Oct. 27, 193 6. L ROGERS DUPLICATING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1930 IOSheets-Sheet 6 gwwmtoc (I L. 78 age 715! 0a. 27, 1936. J. L. RoeEs 2,058,507

DUPLICATING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24/1930 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR (1 5280397 01 A TTORNEY.

J. L. ROGERS DUPLICATING-MACHINE Oct. 27, 1936.

Original Filed Sept. 24, 1930 1O Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR. L. foyer)? A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 27, 1936. J. L. ROGERS DUPLICATING MACHINE Original Fi led Sept. 24, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 lbs IE ."mxl.

- ll. up 1 mm Oct. 27, 1936. J. L. ROGERS DUPLICATING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1930 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 3mm J L. 18039712 Patented Oct. 27, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE for abandoned application Serial No.

484,178, September 24, 1930. This application June 3, 1935, Serial No. 24,690

16 Claims.

This invention relates to duplicating machines and it is an object of the invention to provide a machine of this kind wherein the delivery of the printed sheets is automatic and wherein the sheets as delivered are arranged in a pile or stack.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a machine of this kind including a drum carrying a desired reproducing medium, together with means to effect the desired feed and delivery of a sheet with respect to the drum without any offset.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a machine of this kind embodying a semirotary impression drum, together with means for feeding sheets to the drum without curling of the paper, the feeding means being such to permit the machine to be employed in connection with paper stock from the heaviest cardboard to the thinnest tissue.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of this kind which is accurate in its registration of the sheets, which can be operated without any special skill or effort.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a machine of this kind including an impression drum, semi-rotary in its operation, thus permitting the same to be readily stopped and returned to its starting position through the instrumentality of a stop means adjustable with respect thereto.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a machine of this kind which contemplates the use of a gelatinous impression surface which may be readily and conveniently adjusted or shifted as the occasions of practice may require, together with means whereby the gelatinous surface may be moistened over the impression thereon.

The invention also has for an object to provide means for moistening over the impression on a gelatinous surface comprised in the machine during a run of sheets and in a manner whereby the impression does not blur or pale or with the resultant disadvantage of the sheets sticking.

The invention also has for an object to provide an apparatus of this kind embodying the gelatine or hectograph copying process wherein no sponging or spilling of water while making copies is required, thus avoiding water touching the hands of the operator at any time and also avoiding the necessity of the hands of the operator touching the gelatine or the impression thereon.

This application is a substitute for my abandoned application Serial No. 484,178, filed Sept. 24, 1930.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

Figure 1 is a view in top plan of a duplicating machine constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the device as illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of the machine as herein disclosed opposite that illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional View with parts in elevation taken through the machine as herein disclosed at substantially the transverse center thereof;

Figure 5, is a diagrammatic View illustrating the requisite electrical circuits as comprised in the machine as herein disclosed;

Figure 6 is a view in end elevation of the impression drum removed;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of the impression drum with associated stop means therefor indicated by broken lines;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary top view in plan of the structure illustrated in Figure '7 with the stopping means illustrated in full lines;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section particularly illustrating a trackway for the reciprocating carriage as herein embodied and adjustable stop associated therewith for regulating the desired travel of said carriage;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line l0-l0 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line I l-l I of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line [2-42 of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken through the impression drum and parts concomitant thereto showing the sliding carriage in a position to initially engage a sheet to be printed;

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 showing the carriage in a second position and a sheet partially passed over the impression drum, said figure also indicating a part of the moistening means as herein employed;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary view partly inlongitudinal section and partly in elevation illustrating the sliding carriage at the limit of its movement away from the impression drum and the sheet released;

Figure 16 is a view in top plan of a sliding carriage as herein employed, the associated trackways therefor being shown in fragment;

Figure 17 is a view in front elevation of the carriage as illustrated in Figure 16, the associated trackways being shown in section;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary detailed sectional View taken substantially on the line i 8 8 of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line l9-l 9 of Figure 17;

Figure 20 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation particularly illustrating one of the contact shoes as herein employed;

Figure 21 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view particularly illustrating the adjustable stop member as herein employed and in applied position;

Figure 22 is a view in perspective of the adjustable stop member unapplied;

Figure 23 is a fragmentary view in side elevation' of the stop member as herein disclosed and in applied position;

Figure 24 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating in detail certain features of the operating means for the controlling switch as herein employed; V

Figure 25 is a View similar to Figure 24 showing certain of the parts in a second position;

Figure 26 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating the sliding carriage in its initial contacting position with the adjustable stop, to release the sheet clamping fingers carried by the slide;

Figure 27 is a fragmentary View partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating a means for locking the clamping fingers in either of their two positions;

Figure 28 is a view in perspective of the moistening means as herein employed with the applicator unapplied;

Figure 29 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken through the moistening means as herein employed with the applicator raised and the associated impression drum being diagrammatically indicated by broken lines;

Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 29 with the applicator lowered for proper coaction with the gelatinous surface of the impression drum,

. said impression drum and gelatinous surface being fragmentarily shown by full lines.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, B denotes a base member of desired dimensions or configuration and is adapted to be rested upon a table T or any other desired supporting surface. This base B has suitably mounted thereon a frame structure F, comprising the corner posts or columns 5 and the side members 2. The particular construction of this frame F forms no particular part of the present invention and, therefore, a more complete description is believed to be unnecessary.v The front or forward posts 2 provide mountings for the supporting axle of the supporting shaft 3 of an impression drum D. This drum D as herein disclosed comprises two end plates or heads 4 connected at their peripheral portions by the rods 5, said rods, as particularly illustrated in Figure 4 being herein disclosed as positioned slightly to one side of the shaft 3. The spaces between the heads 4 are bridged by a reticulated peripheral wall 6, which extends substantially between the rods 5. A gelatinous fabric i is disposed over this peripheral wall 8 which-is preferably of a-relatively fine wire mesh and said strip i is adapted to unwind from the roller 8 upon the roller 9.

Each of these rollers 8 and 8 has operatively engaged therewith a sprocket chain H] which is also engaged with a sprocket wheel I I carried by a shaft 32 extending through and rotatably supported by a head l. To the outer side of the head '1, the shaft l2 has suitably fixed thereto an operating knob i i whereby the necessary rotation may be imparted to the rollers 8 and 9 to shift the gelatinous impression sheet 7 when desired. It is to be then stated that the operating chain and associated parts for one of the rolls is carried by one head l while the duplicate structure for the second roller is carried by the second head i. The rods 5 hereinbefore referred to also provicie guides around which the sheet l is directed. It is to be particularly noted that the peripheral wall 3 is reticulated and preferably of a fine wire mesh.

This is of decided advantage as it is fully dem onstrated in practice that a wall constructed in this manner permits the desired shifting of the gelatinous sheet 7 with a minimum of resistance and with injury to the sheet substantially eliminated. Each of the rollers 3 and 9 also has rotating therewith a ratchet wheel !5 with which coacts a spring pressed dog or pawl 16 carried by the adjacent head i whereby means are provided to prevent retrograde movement of said roller.

The front or forward posts I also provide a suppsrt'for the feeding pan, P, the connection between said pan P and one of the posts being of a hinged type as at i? whereby the pan P may be readily swung laterally out of position with respect to the drum D, the second front or forward post 5 having a latching means as at I 8 for holding the feeding pan P in desired working position with respect to the drum. The delivery end of the pan P has its bottom formed on'an upper curvature as indicated at is to permit the same when the pan P is in working position to overlie the upper portion of the drum D and immediately above th high portion of the inclined part is of the part P is a crossed member 28 providing a slot through which a paper sheet 22 passes. It is to be noted that the slot 2! is restricted as to height or width so that effective means are provided to assure the feeding therethrough of only a single sheet 22 of paper. This is also further assured by the raised or upwardly curved portion iii of the receptacle P. As is believed to be particularly illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, this raised portion 59 compensates for the not ral tendency of the sheet pile to fan, thus making it much easier for a single sheet to be fed. A particular and important advantage, however, obtained by the raised portion [9 is to elevate the sheet 22 sufiiciently so that it will not contact with the gelatinous surface of the drum -D until after the sheet has reached the margin stops 2-3. Upon contact with the stops 23 the forward portion of the sheet will drop down upon the gelatinous fabric 7, thus assuring effective registration of the sheet with respect to the impression on the fabric 1 as the contact of the sheet with the fabric will assure immediate travel of the sheet with the drum even though the clamp ing fingers 56 should not be immediately effective.

The paper sheet 22 is forced by hand through the slot 2| until the forward edge thereof comes into contact with the stops 23 suitably positioned upon a sliding carriage S which will hereinafter be more particularly described. The feeding of a paper sheet across when the carriage S is at the limit of its movement toward the drum D and when, of course, at the same time the normally upper edge of the peripheral wall 6 of the drum D is at the limit of its return movement, such return movement determined by the stopping means for the drum is particularly illustrated in Figures '7 and 8 of the drawings.

As particularly illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, this stop comprises an elongated shank 24 threaded through an outstanding bracket 25 carried by the drum D or more particularly a head 4 thereof, said member 24 being arranged for contact with the inwardly disposed bracket 28 carried by an adjacent front or forward post or column By having the shank 24 threaded through the bracket 25, means are provided whereby an adjustable stop is afforded to prevent the carriage S injuring or marring the sheet 1. After the shank 24 has been properly set, it is held in such position by a lock nut 21 or its equivalent. 7

The peripheral portion of each of the heads 4 is provided therearound with the teeth 28 whereby said head 4 as in the present embodiment of the invention also constitutes a sprocket member with which is operatively engaged an endless sprocket chain 29 which in turn is operatively engaged with a shaft 30. The shaft 30 in turn is operatively engaged through the medium of the sprocket chain 3| with the drive shaft 32 rotatably mounted upon the base member B. This shaft 32 has fixed for rotation therewith a relatively large pulley 33 which is in driven connection through the medium of an endless belt 34 with an electric motor M. By having the motor M in driven connection with the pulley 33 through the medium of a belt 34, provision is made for slippage in the event the drum D should be brought to a positive stop before the motor M becomes inoperative.

Coacting with the periphery of the pulley 33 is a brake shoe 35 carried by an end portion of a rock arm 36. The rock arm 36 has operatively engaged therewith a retractile member 31 herein disclosed as a coil spring which serves to constantly urge the shoe 34 into engagement with the pulley 33. This member 31 is alsooperatively engaged with an endw'lse adjustable shank 33 carried by the bracket 39 extending upwardly from the base member B. By proper adjustment of the shank 38, the tension of the member 31 will be regulated or varied in accordance with the desired braking action of the shoe 35 upon the pulley 33. The rock arm 36 coacts with the core or armature 43 of an electromagnet E whereby, as hereinafter referred to, the brake may be maintained in release or inoperative as desired.

The opposed faces of the side members 2 of the frame F have disposed lengthwise thereof the parallel conductor tracks or strips 4| and 42, one of said tracks or strips as 42 at one end portion of the frame terminating inwardly of the second strip or track 4| while said strips or tracks carried by the second side member 2 at the opposite end portion of the frame F has its end terminating the desired distance inwardly of the second strip or track. By this arrangement, one of the strips or tracks carried by one side member 2 as the strip or track member 42 is continued by an insulating portion 42, while one of the strips or tracks 4| carried by the second side member 2 at the opposite end of the frame is similarly continued by an insulated portion 43. Each of the insulated portions 43 isin continuation of the aligned strip or track 42.

Each pair of tracks or strips 4| and 42 is in electrical connection through the conductors a and the double throw switch 44 whereby one set of tracks or strips 4|. and 42 may be placed in desired connection with a suitable source of E. M. F. and interposed in one of the conductors a between the source of energy and the switch 44 is the electro-magnet E hereinbefore referred to so that said magnet is operable upon closing of the circuit irrespective of either of the two positions in which the double throw switch 44 may be adjusted. Also properly connected within the operating circuit is the motor M together with any desired or conventional reversing switch 45 for the motor M. The circuit for operating the motor in one direction has interposed therein a rheostat a: whereby the speed of such motor may be regulated as desired. As the motor and the various switches and the rheostat and the associated wiring form no part of the present invention and in themselves are well-known, it is not believed that a detailed explanation is required other than to state the blades for the switch 45 move with the blades of the switch 44 so that both of said switches operate simultaneously, thus assuring the closing of a circuit through one pair of tracks or strips 4| and 42 for operation of the motor in one direction and for closing the circuit through the other strips or tracks for operation of the motor in the opposite or reverse direction. It is also believed to be obvious that promptly upon closing the circuit for operating the motor in either of the two directions, the electro-magnet E will operate to adjust the brake shoe 35 into a release or inoperative position and at the same time it is also believed to be obvious that upon the breaking of either of the circuits the brake shoe will immediately be set, the action of the brake, of course, being dependent upon the tension to which the member or spring 31 is adjusted.

It is to be stated at this time that each pair of strips 4| and 42 is carried directly by an elongated strip 46 of insulating material which is operatively supported by a side member 2 but in slightly spaced relation with respect thereto throughout the major portion of the length of the member 46. The member 46 also throughout the major portion of its length is provided with a slot 41 for a purpose to be hereinafter more particularly referred to.

Coacting with each pair of conductor tracks or strips 42 is a shoe 48 slidably mounted upon a pair of outstanding arms 49 arranged upon an insulating block 50. The shoe 48 is constantly urged in a direction for proper contact with the strips 4| and 42 by the expansible member 5| herein disclosed as coiled springs encircling the arms 49 and interposed between the block 50 and the shoe 48. The fingers 49 freely pass through the block 50 so that said shoe 48 may have requisite yielding movement compensating for any inequalities it may encounter in its travel along the associated strips or trackways 4| and 42. The block 50 is carried by and arranged below a slide S, the extremities of which being engaged within the trackways or grooves 52 provided in the opposed faces of the side members 2 of the frame. It is to be noted that the upper stretches of the sprocket chains 29 are disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the side members 2 of the frame F and are positioned in relatively close proximity to said side members. The upper ends of the chain 29. are suitably connected to the opposite end portion of the slide S, the end extremities of which travel within the guide grooves or tracks 52 formed in the upper marginal portions of the opposed faces of the side members 2.

The peripheral speed of the drum D and the speed of travel of the slide carriage S are the same so that the paper sheet 22 when clamped to the carriage S will travel at the proper speed over the drum D. As herein disclosed the carriage S is substantially flat and has a central portion forwardly oifset or offset in a direction toward the drum D as particularly indicated at 53 in Figure 16 so that when the carriage S is at the limit of its forward movement or in its movement in a direction toward the drum D, it will terminate in close proximity to the upper marginal portion of the peripheral wall 6 of the drum D when the drum is in its normal position.

The forward marginal portion of this offset part 53 of the carriage S is provided along its outer longitudinal margin and in close proximity thereto with a channel 54 in which is adapted to be received a depending and transversely disposed lug or rib 55 carried by the outer portion of a clamping finger 56. As herein disclosed the clamping fingers 56 are three in number and are fixed to rock with the shaft 51 rotatably supported above the central portion 53 of the slide S by the bearings 58. It is to be particularly noted that the lug or rib 55 of each of the fingers 56 is so spaced with respect to the shaft 51 and also with relation to the groove or channel 54 that when the clamping finger is moved downwardly for proper engagement with the forward edge portion of the sheet, said portion will be effectively clamped between the outer side wall of the groove or channel and the lug or rib 55 with a wedging action, thus assuring an effective gripping of the paper sheet.

The shaft is of a length to extend beyond one side of the offset portion 53 but terminating in close proximity to the adjacent end of the slide S and fixed to said extended portion of the shaft 57 is a rearwardly disposed stop finger 59, which by contact with the adjacent portion of the slide S provides an effective means for limiting the upward or opening movement of the fingers 56. This extended portion of the shaft 57 is also provided with a forwardly disposed and downwardly directed rock arm 60, which is of a length to have its outer or lower free end portion overlying a block 58 hereinbefore referred to. This block 56 is provided with a pair of suitably spaced openings of pockets 6| which selectively receive a spring pressed ball clutch 52 carried by the arm 80 whereby said arm 6 is locked at its limit of movement in either direction to prevent accidental movement of the clamping fingers 55, yet readily permitting desired rocking of the shaft 51.

The side member 2 of the frame F concomitant to the end portion of the slide S carrying the rock arm 60 supports below said side member 2 and in parallel therewith a guide rod 63 angular in cross section and upon which is slidably mounted the sleeve 64, the bore of which being also angular in cross section and snugly engaging the rod 53 so that said sleeve is held against rotary movement. The lower portion of the sleeve 64 is provided with an outstanding plate 65 disposed inwardly oi the machine and said plate terminates in an extended finger 56 which is positioned in the path of travel of the rock arm 60 in its movement with the slide S.

With the fingers 58 in clamping engagement with a sheet 22 of paper, as said slide travels the desired distance in a direction away from the drum D, the finger 66 and the lower tip of arm 60 will come in contact so that the continued travel of the slide will result in the rocking movement of the shaft 57 in a direction to raise or release the fingers 56 from the paper sheet so that such sheet will readily drop within the pan R. It will also be obvious that the sleeve 64 is to be adjusted along the rod 63 a sufficient distance inwardly of the machine in accordance with the size or more particularly the length of the sheet.

The sleeve 64- is locked in its desired selected position upon the rod 63 by a clamping screw 6?. The plate 65 of the sleeve 64 has mounted thereon a bracket 68 which carries a relatively long ramp or cam member 69 which is directed through a slot H of the adjacent member 46 with its working edge terminating beyond the conductor tracks or strips 4| and 42. Upon the slide S being caused to travel the desired distance in a direction away from the drum D, the ramp or cam 69 will. contact with the adjacent contact shoe 48 and force the same out of contact with the tracks or strips 41 and 42, thereby breaking the circuit for operating the motor to elfect the travel of the slide S in its rearward direction. At the moment this circuit is broken, the brake shoe 35 is set, bringing to a stop the slide S before it passes over the ramp of cam 69. In the event, however, the shoe 48 should pass beyond the ramp or cam 69, with the resultant contact of the shoe 48 with the conductor tracks or strips 4! or 42, as the shoe travels upon the insulated portion 43 at the outer end of one of the strips M or 42, the circuit will be broken. Therefore, it will be seen that this particular insulated portion .3 serves as a safety stop for the outward travel of the slide S.

The rate of travel of the slide S in a direction away from the drum D may be regulated or varied upon proper adjustment of the rheostat 46. When the circuit for the motor M is closed through the second set or pair of conductor tracks or strips or 42, the slide S will be caused to have return movement toward the drum D and this return movement will be stopped by the breaking of the circuit when the operative shoe comes into contact with he insulated portion 43 of this second set or pair of tracks or strips so that the slide S will be in proper position for clamping engagement with a second sheet of paper. By adjusting the tension of the spring 3'! coacting with the rock arm for the brake shoe 35, the extent of movement of the carriage, on its return movement after the working shoe 43 has come into contact with the insulated portion 43 whereby the set of the slide S with respect to the drum D may be varied as the requirements of practice may necessitate. I believe it will be obvious that the greater the tension of the spring 31, the quicker the return movement of the slide S will be stopped and vice versa.

It is also believed to be obvious that the operating means for both the drum D and the slide S is such that when the slide S is in its returned or normal position, the drum D is also in its returnedor normal position, as particularly illustherefor being within the central opening of the top T so that proper contact may be had therewith by the slide S on a part thereon. By this means, the sheets as delivered from the impression drum D and deposited within the receptacle pan will be readily and conveniently counted.

In the event the operating circuit for the slide carriage S should fail to open as a contact shoe 48 passes upon the insulation strip 43, the slide carriage will come into direct contact with a bumper or stop I03 of leather or other desired material. A stop or bumper N13 is anchored to the rear end portion of each of the side members 2 of the frame F.

It is also believed to be clearly obvious that the peripheral wall 6 of the drum constitutes a bed in its broadest sense upon which the gelatinous sheet i may be slid or shifted.

It is also to be noted in Figure 16 of the drawings, that the stops 23 areadju'stable in a direction toward or from the groove 54. This permits the stops to compensate for'the desired variances in the top margin of the printed sheet.

A further advantage of having the stops 23 adjustable resides in the fact that it permits the machine to be employed in connection with cards having tabs as the clampingfingers 56 may be caused to engage the tabs with the top margin of the card proper substantially coincident with the forward margin or edge of the offset portion 53 of the slide carriage S. This arrangement, if desired, permits an impression to be made right up to the top edge of the card. i

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a duplicating machine constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembledand operated and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

' 1. A machine of the class described, comprising a rotary impression drum, a pressure roller coacting therewith and normally spaced therefrom, means for bringing the pressure roller into proper engagement with a sheet passing over the drum, means operating upon release of the roller from the drum to rotate the drum in'an opposite direction and means for holding taut the portion of the sheet passing between the drum and roller.

2. In a machine of the class described, a semirotary impression drum, a pressure roller coacting therewith and normally free of the drum, means operating when the roller is in engagement with the drum for partially rotating the drum in one direction, and means operating upon initial release of the roller from the drum to rotate the drum in an opposite direction.

3. In a machine of the class described, a semirotary impression drum, a pressure roller coacting therewith and normally free of thedrum, means operating when the roller is in engagement with the drum for partially rotating the drum in one direction, and means operating upon initial release of the roller from the drum to rotate the drum in an opposite direction, and means for limiting the movement of the drum in said second direction.

4. Ina machine of the class described, a semirotary impression drum, a pressure roller coacting therewith and normally free of the drum, means operating when the roller is in engagement with the drum for partially rotating the drum in one direction, means operating upon initial release of the roller from the, drum to rotate the drum in an opposite direction, means for limiting the movement of the drum in said second direction, and an adjustable stop coacting with the drum for limiting this rotary movement in the second direction.

5. A machine of the class described, comprising a rotary impression drum, a slide movable toward or from the drum, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for moving the slide away from the drum during the printing operation, means for maintaining the paper clamping means efiective during such movement of the slide, means for making said paper clamping means ineffective upon travel of the slide a predetermined distance away from the drum and means for holding the clamping means in either effective or ineifective position.

6. A machine of the class described, comprising a rotary impression drum, a slide movable toward or from the drum, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for moving the slide away from the drum during the printing operation, and means for maintaining the paper clamping means effective during such movement of the slide, and means for making said paper clamping means inefiectiveupon travel of the slide a predetermined distance away from the drum,

said means being shiftable toward or from the drum.

'2. A machine of the class described, comprising a rotary impression drum, a slide movable toward or from the drum, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means'for moving the slide away from the drum during the printing operation, means for maintaining the paper clamping means eifective during such movement of the slide, means for making said paper clamping means ineffective upon travel of the slide a predetermined distance away from the drum,- and means independent of the last named means for stopping the movement of the slide upon travel thereof at a predetermined distance away from the drum.

8. A machine of the class described, comprising a rotary impression drum, a slide movable toward or from the drum, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for moving the slide away from the drum during the printing operation, means for maintaining the paper clamping means effective during such movement of the slide, means for making said paper clamping means ineffective upon travel of the slide a predetermined distance away from the drum, and means for stopping the movement of the slide upon travel thereof at a predetermined distance away from the drum, said last named means being adjustable with respect to the drum to vary the extent of travel of thev slide away from the drum.

9. A machine of the class described, comprising an impression drum, means for oscillating the same, a slide movable toward or from the drum, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for simultaneously oscillating the drum and moving the'slide, said slide moving away from the drum upon rotation of the drum in one direction and moving toward the drum upon rotation of the drum in the opposite direction, and means for braking the drum and slide when the slide is at the limit of its movement in either direction.

r in its raised position.

trated in Figure 13 so that a succeeding printing operation may be effected.

The blades for the switches 94 and 45 are fixed to rock the common pintle 1'8 carrying a rock arm I I Operatively engaged with this rock arm H is a rod '52 which is also operatively engaged with a depending rock arm 73 carried by a rock shaft 74- rotatably supported by and disposed through one of the forward or front corner posts or columns I.

This rock shaft 14 also carries a finger or cam. arm 15 for contact with the arm 82 of the shaft 5! whereby upon rocking movement of the shaft 14 in one direction the shaft 5i will be rocked in a direction to bring the clamping fingers 58 into proper holding engagement with the forward marginal or edge portion of a sheet as initially fed from the pan P.

The shaft 14 exteriorly of its associated post or column carries a finger or master cam i9 with which engages one of the side arms I? of the operating bar 18. This bar '88 is disposed transversely above the forward or front end portion of the frame F and has the rearwardly disposed side arms 11 each of which being pivotally connected as at i9 to a side member 2 of the frame F. This bar '18 is normally maintained raised through the instrumentality of an expansible member or coiled spring 89 interposed between the bars 'l'l'and side member of the frame F. A

spring 89 is preferably positioned at each end of the bar Tl, although it will be understood that other means may be employed which may be operated to advantage in maintaining this bar Tl As the bar 18 is forced downwardly, one of the side members Tl comes in contact with the finger or master cam '56 resulting in the proper clamping action of the fingers 56 and at the same time adjusting the blades of the switches 44 and 45 to effect the desired rearward travel of the slide S. As the bar 78 returns to its normal or raised position, the blades of the switches M and 45 will be reversely set to assure the desired return movement of the slide S. It will be understood that the bar l8 should be maintained depressed until the slide S has completed its desired rearward or feeding movement.

The slide S provides effective means whereby with equal ease, the apparatus can be employed in connection with the paper stock from the heaviest cardboard to the thinnest tissue without curling and with the further advantage that the sheets do not bend at any time, thus eliminating the danger of cracking weak or brittle sheets.

It is also believed to be obvious that the machine is of a character requiring the simplest manual operations as it is only necessary that a slight movement which in practice is approximately one inch is required to initially feed the sheets and only a slight movement of the second hand to effect the desired depression of the bar '88. Rotatably supported as at 8! by the bottom of a receptacle or pan R at the forward portion thereof is a rock shaft 82, said shaft extending to one side of the frame, said extended portion having fixed thereto an operating lever 83. The shaft 82 is of course, disposed lengthwise of the drum D and said shaft 82 at spaced points thereon is provided with the forwardly and upwardly disposed rock arms 84, the outer extremities of which carry a tubular member 85. This tubular member 85 is provided along the major portion of its length with an opening 86 defined by outstanding lips 81. A wick 88 is disposed.

within the tubular member 85 through the opening 88 and between the lips 8?. One end of the tube is in communication through the conduit 89 with a water supply 98 herein disclosed as a cup like member operatively supported by one of the side members 2 of the frame F. Interposed in the conduit 89 is a flexible tube 9| whereby the tubular member 85 may be unhindered in its rocking movement toward or from the drum D or more particularly the applied gelatinous sheet I disposed over the peripheral wall 6.

When it is desired to moisten the sheet 1, the lever 81 is rocked in a direction to bring the wick 88 into relatively close position to the sheet I so that as the drum rotates moisture will be transferred from the wick 88 to the sheet I over the impression and without interfering with the printing operation. The tubular member 85 is normally maintained in a position away from the surface of the drum D by a retractile spring 92 suitably connected to the operating lever 83 and the adjacent side member 2 of the frame.

It will be particularly noted that the moistening means as herein disclosed is of a character to permit the desired moistening over the impression without blurring or offsetting the same or without blurring or paling the impression on the sheet I. It is also believed to be obvious that by use of the wick 88, the proper amount of moisture applied to the sheet I is assured.

When the bar 18 is moved downwardly a roller 93 operatively supported thereby comes into contact from above with the paper sheet 22 to bring the same into proper contact with the sheet I,-

thus assuring the desired transfer of an impression from the sheet 1 to the sheet 22. This roller 93 preferably has a peripheral surface of soft rubber.

It is also to be noted that the extent of downward movement of the bar '18 is limited by contact of a side arm 1'! with an adjustable stop 94 herein disclosed as threaded from below through an outstanding lug 95 carried by the adjacent side member 2 of the frame F. The upward movement of the bar 18 is also limited by contact of a side arm 11 with an outstanding stop screw 96 or the like carried by the adjacent side member 2. In the present embodiment of my invention, this stop screw 96 is initially received within a slot 91 opening through the upper edge of the arm 11.

operatively engaged with the rock arm 13 and. with the stationary part of the machine is a retractile member or spring 98 which serves to normally maintain the finger l5 and the master cam or finger .18 in a raised position when the bar 18 is in its normally raised position.

It is believed to be apparent that as the slide S is at the limit of its movement and the clamping members 56 are released from the sheet, that said sheet will drop within a collecting receptacle or pan R and in which receptacle or pan the sheets will be stacked or piled. This pan is supported between the side members 2 of the frame F in any preferred manner as by the transversely disposed saddles 99 suitably anchored to the side members 2.

Disposed over the upper portion of the frame F and operatively secured to the side members 2 thereof is a top member T having a relatively large central opening whereby access may be readily'had within the applied receptacle or pan R which is in the present embodiment of my invention held to the saddles 99 by the screws 188 or the like. Mounted upon this top T is a conv n ional counter IDI, the operating part I82 10. A machine of the class described, comprising an impression drum, means for oscillating the same, a slide movable toward or from the drum, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for simultaneously oscillating the drum and moving the slide, said slide moving away from the drum upon rotation of the drum in one direction and moving toward the drum upon rotation of the drum in the opposite direction, means for braking the drum and slide when the slide is at the limit of its movement in either direction, and means for maintaining said braking means ineffective when the slide is in motion.

11. A machine comprising in combination a rotary impression drum, a depressible impression roller coacting with the drum, a slide, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for making the paper clamping means effective upon movement of the roller toward the drum, means for moving the slide toward or from the drum and means for making the paper clamping means ineffective when the slide has moved a predetermined distance away from the drum.

12. A machine comprising in combination, a rotary impression drum, a depressible impression roller coacting with the drum, a slide, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for making the paper clamping means effective upon a movement of the roller toward the drum, means for moving the slide toward or from the drum, means for making the paper clamping means ineffective when the slide has moved a predetermined distance away from the drum, and a paper stop carried by the slide.

13. A machine comprising in combination, a rotary impression drum, a depressible impression roller coacting with the drum, a slide, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for making the paper clamping means effective upon a movement of the roller toward the drum, means for moving the slide toward or from the drum, means for making the paper clamping means ineifective when the slide has moved a predetermined distance away from the drum, a paper stop carried by the slide, said paper clamping means comprising a finger movable toward or from the slide and having an outstanding rib carried by its face opposed to the slide, said slide having a groove to receive the rib when the finger is moved toward the slide.

14. A machine comprising a rotary impression drum, a depressible impression roller coacting with the drum, a slide, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for making the paper clamping means effective upon a movement of. the roller toward the drum, means for moving the slide toward or from the drum, means for making the paper clamping means ineffective when the slide has moved a predetermined distance away from the drum, a paper stop carried by the slide, said paper clamping means comprising a finger movable toward or from the slide and having an outstanding rib carried by its face opposed to the slide, said slide having a groove to receive the rib when the finger is moved toward the slide, and means for limiting the movement of the finger away from the slide.

15. A machine comprising a rotary impression drum, a depressible impression roller coacting with the drum, a slide, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for making the paper clamping means effective upon a movement of the roller toward the drum, means for moving the slide toward or from the drum, means for making the paper clamping means ineffective when the slide has moved a predetermined distance away from the drum, a paper stop carried by the slide, said paper clamping means comprising a finger movable toward or from the slide and having an outstanding rib carried by its face 0pposed to the slide, said slide having a groove to receive the rib when the finger is moved toward the slide, the rib of the finger coacting with the side wall of the groove of the slide to effect a wedging action.

16. A machine comprising, in combination, a rotary impression drum, a depressible impression roller coacting with the drum, a slide, paper clamping means carried by the slide, means for making the paper clamping means effective upon a movement of the roller toward the drum, means for moving the slide toward or from the drum, means for making the paper clamping means ineffective when the slide has moved a predetermined distance away from the drum, a paper stop carried by the slide, and means for feeding a sheet to the impression drum, said means maintaining the sheet out of contact with the impression drum until the sheet has reached the paper stop of the slide.

JESSE L. ROGERS. 

